Saffron big three to decide Shivraj Singh Chouhan's fate

Fate of MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan whose image is battered by the nationwide outrage on Vyapam scam will be decided by BJP president Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and BJP vice-president and in charge of party affairs in MP, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. The trio will be in the state capital in the next three days.

Bhagwat has already touched base in Bhopal and released a book written by Goa governor Mridula Sinha on Saturday. BJP leaders Amit Shah and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe will reach here on Monday in connection with party's maha jansampark abhiyan (mega mass contact campaign) launched to add over 1.20 crore new BJP members. Chief minister Chouhan and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh will also participate in the programme.

Saffron brigade's big three are likely to discuss fallout of Vyapam scam and its impact on BJP's image, in view of the role played by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Leaders will also review feedback of various campaigns launched by BJP and RSS in last one year.

BJP president Amit Shah will review the ambitious maha jansampark abhiyan launched by state BJP on Monday to reach out to 1.2 crore new members. During the process, BJP will verify applications, identify members and publicize party and Prime Minister's policies.

Party insiders said while the programme and visit of senior functionaries was planned much in advance, this of has come at a time when Vyapam rage has singed party leaders and tarnished party image. Nationwide outrage has stirred a debate over Shivraj and his government's role in taking appropriate measures to limit damage from the scam and assure safety in public life.

BJP is also irked over media hype given to the scam and failure of government functionary to judge and control the issue. Party leaders believe loopholes left during investigation and goof-ups by officials have given credence to the Opposition and media campaign about the scam. BJP state general secretary in charge of party affairs Arvind Menon also met Bhagwat on Saturday to discuss the political situation in Madhya Pradesh.